Customer Reviews

Nourishing Wisdom: A Mind-Body Approach to Nutrition and Well-Being

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One of the traps which many of us fall into when we become aware of the relationship between nutrition and health is that we establish a set of dietary rules according to which we label foods as either "good" or "bad." Once a certain food has been assigned to the "bad" category, we might even become critical of ourselves and others for desiring or eating that food. The more zealous we are in our conviction that we have found the one right way of eating, the more limited we become in our understanding of food and our interaction with it.

This title sets out to dispel the myth that there could ever be a standard dietary system guaranteed to meet everyone's nutritional requirements. The author, a nutritional psychologist, approaches his mission from a truly holistic perspective. Rather than proposing yet another ideal diet based on the perfect composition of specific nutrients, he explores the multidimensional dynamics of nourishment, reaching far beyond the purely scientific and chemical aspects of nutrition.

Although he does not deny the impact of eating high-quality foods, Mr. David invites the reader to consider other factors which are equally significant in determining whether a meal is truly nourishing: The less tangible "ingredients" of a meal, such as the consciousness with which it is eaten, as well as the ambiance of our surroundings, and the people in whose company we dine, are all part of the nourishing experience and profoundly affect the body and mind on both the physical and subtle energetic levels.

"Nourishing Wisdom" suggests that choosing the "right" foods is less important than eating whatever one chooses wholeheartedly and with awareness. To be fully nourished by food, we must experience it through both the action of chewing and the sensation of taste. Our nutritional requirements are continuously changing with variables such as age, the environment we live in, and nature's seasons. One of the exercises described in the book is listening for body feedback, which allows the body's intuitive wisdom to determine which foods would be most nourishing at a given time.

Each chapter in this highly readable book features a summary of the main points discussed, as well as suggestions for how the reader could work with these in his or her own life. Someone who has a weight problem, for instance, will find the chapters addressing the connection between food and love, and the application of affirmative willpower, most helpful. And nearly everyone will benefit from the revelation that the digestion and assimilation of foods are affected by the body posture which we assume during a meal -- finally a valid reason why one should not slouch at the dinner table!

A refreshing change from other "nutrition" books, you'll find yourself rethinking your attitude about food. David's focus is more about HOW to eat than WHAT to eat. This book is a different approach than you've probably encountered before, but if you read it and give it some thought, I think you'll conclude that it most definitely makes sense.

I had the good fortune of meeting the author at Canyon Ranch, where I had a nutrition consultation with him. I can honestly say that the hour I spent with him has changed my approach to food. I left with practical suggestions to change how and what I eat, and as a result I eat more, weigh a bit less, and enjoy my food more than ever before.

Not a magic bullet, but I'd recommend this book to those with an open mind who are tired of the same old diet book fare, and want to consider a new path.

I wish I had read this years ago. I affirmed each page vigerously and have recommneded it. Typically I skim over books of this nature (diet and such) but I couldn't do it with this one. Every word compelled and inspired me.

This is exactly the wisdom I've been looking for. I have finally stopped the crazy ups and downs of dieting and am making friends with my body and with food, for the first time in my life.
Thank you Marc David! It was the nourishment I needed.

Melissa

I wouldn't exactly call this a self help book, and I definitely don't consider it a "diet" book. It's more like food for thought. I've never heard of Marc David before but I am hooked! What a refreshing point of view on how our relationship with food reflects the person that we are. Be it that you have been struggling with eating habits that have gotten you down, or that you are a heath nut who wants to take it to a new level.. this book is sure to inspire ANYONE who wants or needs a little change in perspective. A MUST for your library!

I have been fighting with my weight all my life. This book has taught me how to stop fighting uselessly against my body and start working with my whole self to achieve well-being. Really enlightening.

I have been waiting all my life for this book! Marc David has finally put all the pieces together to help me understand struggles with weight. His approach is very nurturing, well thought out and extremely helpful.

A sympathetic, educated voice on the relationship between nutrition and the spiritual life.

Thank goodness not a diet book but an insight on why food plays such a powerful role in our lies.

I am only about half way through this book and am extremely impressed with it. It doesn't set out a path for you to follow it teaches you how to find your own path to proper nutrition. It is an easy read and enlightening.